42 F-35 to Japan for $10 Billion

The Pentagon told Congress that 42 F-35 offered Japan are expected to cost $ 10 billion. Tokyo claimed previously that it wants to pay for it two times less.


Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Pentagon has announced that April 30, Congress advised of the possibility of selling the government of Japan under the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) 42 F-35A fighter for about $ 10 billion. The transaction would involve delivery of four F-35A for 2017 and 38 fighter aircraft of this type in subsequent years. They would replace the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets obsolete F-4EJ Kai Phantom.

Japan has offered the package include 42 F-35A powered by Pratt & Whitney F-135 plus five spare engines. Besides WRE systems, command and information distribution (C4I/CNI), logistics (ALGs) and information systems supporting the operation of airplanes. Complement the training package has it, and other technical equipment. Offer does not include weapons.


The main implementers of the contract would be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, and Pratt and Whitney Military Engines. The proposed transaction does not provide for the offset. It is envisaged the establishment of local American suppliers. Unofficially, the Americans are counting on the fact that even the Japanese will sell 100-120 F-35A, if you choose this type of aircraft the F-XX fighter jets carried out to replace the Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ.

The fact that Japan chose the F-35A, who defeated American F/A-18 E / F Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon European, announced December 20, 2011 Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa ( Tokyo confirmed the purchase of F-35 , 2011-12-20) . Representatives of the Ministry assess what the price of one fighter with the logistics and training package will be no more than $ 120 million. Meanwhile, according to data released by the DSCA, the U.S. offer is twice as high